Saltwater pools still require some chlorine, but it's minimal. If you Chlorine for a summer runs from $150-$180. You can enjoy your time without having to worry about anything. same time! Saltwater pools. Want to learn more? This fact means that winter pool maintenance usually has to be done using an alternative source of chlorine. When it comes to making the right choice for owning your own pool, a salt water system is a healthier option for many. For a more in-depth comparison, read my salt water vs. chlorine pools guide. Pros and Cons of America's 1st Choice . Saltwater Pool Advantages Because they have lower chlorine levels, saltwater pools are gentler on the eyes and skin. If you have more to spend upfront and want better quality water and lower operating costs, opt for a saltwater pool. The generator cell, which ranges from about. A saltwater pool wont have the same harsh effects of a traditional chlorine pool. "It took me 45 minutes to get things up and running and another 15 minutes to wonder why I ever paid so Saltwater pools have become increasingly popular over the years as a desirable alternative to chlorine pools. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Below is a breakdown of American Home Shield's monthly prices: ShieldSilver: $29.99-$44.99 per month. Salt can be harmful on a poolover time.Saltwater pools need to be regularly checked for signs of erosion and buildup. Therefore, many suggest that if you can afford a saltwater system, you should invest in one. "Saltwater pool conversion" might sound like there is a lot involved. safe, effective, and convenient alternative to conventional chlorine pools, meaning: no more buying To keep the pH close to the ideal 7.2, hydrochloric acid needs to be added regularly, and the pH monitored at least weekly. Before calculating how much salt to add to your swimming pool, you will need to calculate the volume of the pool. Most decking is not resistant to salt water and will take a beating when pool water splashes out or drips from swimmers. Watkins Manufacturing. Saltwater System Pros: Lower maintenance compared to chlorine systems Less harmful on the body: less chlorine content in the water Not as damaging to property like towels, swimsuits, etc. One 2003 study found that young children who swim regularly in an indoor chlorinated pool were at greater risk for lung inflammation and developing asthma. Additionally, saltwater pools tend to be gentler on swimsuits, clothing, and hair. Under the influence of the chlorine generator . Since salt water pools have low chlorine content, it is less harmful to the skin. cost thousands for the equipment to convert the pool to saltwater, plus a few hundred more for installation. It can be challenging to compare the costs of a traditional pool and a saltwater pool because you will need a reasonable estimate of the price of chemicals. Here's why you'll want to add swimming to your workout routine. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter YouTube, By using HomeAdvisor, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, Copyright 1999 - 2023 HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Copyright 1999 - 2023HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No The salt water system possesses functions that automatically monitors and cleans the water. Your weekly upkeep costs tend to be about four times as high in cost and time as a saltwater pool. You might also hear it called having a salt pool system or an electronic chlorine generator. Thats especially true when it comes to indoor pools. Most incidents of chlorine poisoning result from ingesting household cleaners. If you have maintained a traditional chlorine pool for years and are comfortable with it, you may not want to switch. Safer - When it comes to storing or transporting chemicals, having larger quantities of chlorine tablets or in liquid form can be potentially dangerous. Fill out the contact form below and let us now how we can help: Contact the Pool Butler Today to Schedule an Appointment: Call 770-439-2644 or Email Us Now! Saltwater pools need an additional pump, chlorine generator, and some type of corrosion inhibitor. Find trusted local pros for any home project. Destroying fabrics used in the pool clothing faster, making yearly replacements almost necessary, Expect to replace the saltwater cell every, Highest installation cost of all three pool systems. Your salt cell is adjustable, so you should be keeping chlorine levels low, about 1.0 to 2.0 ppm. There are almost no differences between installing one pool over the other. Solid features and extras for the price. Pool exercises are a great way to boost your cardio fitness, and strengthen and tone all your major muscle groups, including your abs, legs, arms, and, Swimming isnt just a fun summertime activity. a Less maintenance than chlorine pools. Hot Spring Spas. An average pool may only need about $50 - $125 of salt when the chlorine generator first gets installed, and then as little as $10 - $20 a year moving forward. Yes. Find out how many calories you burn swimming. Chlorine is generated slowly over time, wearing down the titanium in the cell. Since the chlorine generated by your chlorine generator does not have a stabilizer, you need to maintain adequate levels of cyanuric acid (a.k.a. If you value a more natural, environmentally friendly option and are willing to invest in a higher upfront cost, then a saltwater pool may be the best choice for you. Saltwater pools are usually easier to own and maintain. Although less expensive up front, a couple of costs to keep in mind include: Saltwater pools cost more than chlorine on the front end, but youll save money over time. Theres a lot to know, and its not all pretty. Another benefit of saltwater pools is that they are less expensive to operate than chlorine pools in the long run. These systems typically do not experience chloramine buildup like traditional pools. Try to clean pool water from these surfaces whenever possible, but replace or repair the objects or structures when damage is detected. There are many options when it comes time to designing your saltwater pool. The saltwater system itself is expensive and does not replace the cost of many other pool chemicals, such as those used for balancing pH and alkalinity. Here are the facts He has built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country. A saltwater pool could be a great alternative to traditional chlorine pools. Salt chlorine generators start at about $400 and cost around $2,000 to install. So what exactly makes a saltwater pool different? Which is better? can use some basic tools (or have a handy friend to help) you can do Damage Plant Growth Saltwater, on the other hand, is a natural substance that can be easily recycled. When most people think of saltwater, they think of the ocean. Besides swimming pool maintenance costs, youll also want to consider larger upkeep items, like vinyl pool liner repair costs, and general swimming pool repair costs. Much of the resale value of a pool is dependent on the volume of the pool itself. Product/service. This hypochlorous acid eventually turns back into sodium chloride and goes through the electrolysis process again. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professional pool installers near you. However, some people really like them. 68 m) . The main maintenance tasks for salt water pool owners are testing and washing the salt cell. What Is a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)? Lower levels of chlorine create water that is gentler on swimmers' skin and eyes, causing less damage to hair and bathing suits. When it comes to environmental impact, both chlorine and saltwater pools weigh in about the same. It is purer because bacteria and microorganisms found in the ocean will not mix with the salt. This is equivalent to the amount of salt found in human tears. A saltwater generator has to be installed too. Expect to pay around $500 to $3,000 for a UV light pool system. As mentioned earlier, you only need to purchase pool salt, and a few times a year, you will . By avoiding the use of store-bought chlorine products, the occurrence of chloramines in the water can be reduced. There are quite a few differences in the mechanics of the two. Saltwater may be easier on the skin and eyes. This article will discuss the pros and cons, annual costs, design considerations, maintenance of a saltwater pool, and more. Although the process of breaking down salt in the water to make chlorine to clean the pool has many advantages for swimmers' skin, eyes, and hair, the salt is a corrosive component that can destroy metal objects such as heaters, ladders, diving board brackets, and other metal objects. Some benefits of a salt water pool system, include: Less Maintenance: A great feature of a salt water pool is that they require far less maintenance compared to their chlorine counterpart. But there are some definite benefits, and some people really do swear by their saltwater pools. The system uses electricity to turn salt into chlorine, which cleans the pool. Hot Spring Spas. Pros. Although you still need a small amount of chemical in the pool to treat the water until it can circulate through the UV reactor chamber, its far healthier than even a saltwater pool. Turn the system on and let it get to work! By considering the benefits and drawbacks of saltwater pools, you can make an informed decision that is right for you and your family. After reading this article Im leaning more towards a Salt water. What are the Pros and Cons of a Saltwater Pool? Salt water pools require more installation costs throughout the process. The reason is that you can choose a liner for the inground pool that can handle saltwater from the get-go rather than upgrading later on. Related: The Dos and Donts of Swimming Pool Maintenance. If you're not You have a salt pool when you take a swimming pool (probably like yours) and install a saltwater chlorine generator on it. But it can be lost to splashout, leaks, or just the water that leaves the pool in wet bathing suits and hair. Although you dont add chlorine tablets to a saltwater pool, it does still contain chlorine. Additionally, saltwater pools can also damage certain types of pool equipment such as pumps and filters. Converting your pool to salt is easy (most people do it themselves), and things get even easier once you have one! No chlorine smell since the chlorinator converts salt (NaCl) to chlorine rather than using . Test your water using a saltwater testing kit or check your salt chlorine generator to determine the salt levels in the pool. However, there are pros and cons to both systems, and its important to weigh the differences before deciding which one is right for you. My comment is for Deebie and Warren.. this Ecosmart System, can it be used on a Saltwater pool? 2023 HealthResearchFunding.org - Privacy Policy, 14 Hysterectomy for Fibroids Pros and Cons, 12 Pros and Cons of the Da Vinci Robotic Surgery, 14 Pros and Cons of the Cataract Surgery Multifocal Lens, 11 Pros and Cons of Monovision Cataract Surgery. Produces softer water which is easier on the skin and eyes. 5 Disadvantages Of Salt Water Pool Installation. Higher up front cost. Saltwater pools, on the other hand, use a natural process called electrolysis to produce chlorine. With these pools, the salt cells will produce any chlorine as needed, but you will still want to monitor chlorine levels periodically to ensure everything is working properly. If you or someone in your family have water allergies or asthma, then salt water pool systems are better than a traditional pool for you. In a. Highlife Collection; Limelight Collection; Hot Spot . Some systems, particularly chlorine generators and heaters, do not play well together if everything is not done according to mfgr.s instructions and relevant building codes. Just like a chlorinated pool, you will need to skim for floating debris, vacuum for sunken debris, and brush the pool sides and bottom on a regular basis. Salt water pools have a lesser chlorine content compared to regular water pools. Only use the boost when really necessary and dont overdo it. At any pool, its important to practice basic safety measures: A saltwater pool may be a good alternative for anyone who finds the smell of chlorine irritating. As you can see, there are both pros and cons of a saltwater pool. Intex Mid-Size Easy Set Pool (15 x 4 Feet) $292 at Amazon $297 at Home Depot $291 at Walmart. Chlorine is a strong chemical that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. If you have trouble breathing, you may find swimming in an indoor chlorinated pool irritating. Conversely, if you or your family struggle with reactions to chlorine, it may be a perfect choice. Saltwater pools are a healthier and more natural option than chlorine pools. The only exception is when stabilizer levels are not kept high enough. But if you plan to use the pool when the water temperature is below 50-59 degrees F, you will need to find another source of chlorination. needs. Our mission is to help you enjoy your pool for once, and save some big bucks at the However, many modern saltwater cells are self-cleaning. However, they have different chemicals that act on the pools, components, and anything you put in the pool. Theyre easy to retrofit for either system since its all above ground. In fact, the only effective way to keep a pool clean is with chlorine. If you (or a friend) have some basic tools and knowledge, then you can change your backyard life However, over time the cost may even out. If the saltwater cell plates need to be cleaned, you can do so by soaking them in a 5:1 dilution of water and muriatic acid. Home Depot estimates $20-$30 for an entire summer supply of salt. Read my full article on how to winterize a salt water pool for all the steps. Oversizing is recommended. Your swimsuit wont get bleached out, either. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Saltwater pools are very flexible in design, meaning you dont have to go with the traditional rectangular or circular design you often see with conventional pools. They use more specialized equipment to convert salt to chlorine. If you do have an issue, we're always here for support! Saltwater spas are touted as being chemical-free. If the pH level or another parameter is not where it should be, adding certain chemicals and shocking your saltwater pool may be necessary to balance the system. With regular maintenance, the average lifespan of a salt cell is three to seven years. I am a technician for an IPPSA member employer, and have two comments on this informative, well-balanced article. Just do the math Salt pool systems have been around since the late 1970's, and have proven themselves over time to be the The difference is that instead of adding chlorine directly to the pool, you add salt -NOT table salt- which in turn interacts with a salt cell that acts as a chlorine generator. Neither of those promises is entirely accurate. Read my full saltwater pool cost breakdown for a more in-depth look. have an issue, we're always here for support! Water chemistry is easier to maintain. Many . Unlike chlorine-based pools, there . . Not now. While Ive heard from friends that their systems break down more often, I just cant take the dryness chlorine causes my hair and skin. When it comes to maintaining your salt cell, there are a few critical items to take care of. Benefits Articles, Offer extended through midnight 3/20/2023. Upgrade to next larger size for $5 You can read my article on heating a salt water pool for more information. A saltwater pool contains 10 times less salt than the ocean. The actual salt for the pool is a fairly minor cost. In fact, there is so much misinformation about saltwater pools that we find almost no pool owner really understands all the pros and cons of a saltwater pool. As time passes, the corrosive salt in the water can damage any metals in the pool such as ladders and brackets. With initially higher costs involved in its installation, this is considered a lower maintenance option for many. If you like, you can dip the whole thing in your pool and swish it around for 30 seconds. The initial idea was taken from the NASA Space Program. Fiberglass pools last over 30 years. When it comes to hot tubs, the traditional method of keeping the water clean and clear has been through the u. The difference lies in the pump, plumbing, and chlorinator, which can add another $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of your pool. You can use regular salt in a salt water pool as long as the salt doesnt contain too many impurities. Pros. Salt may leave a white residue when splashed out, so consider lighter-colored stone or a non-metal material and natural-looking landscaping such as rock formations and trees. 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You like, you may not want to switch when damage is.! Invest in one could be a great alternative to traditional chlorine pool more., if you can enjoy your time without having to worry about.... Process called electrolysis to produce chlorine here are the pros and Cons of a saltwater.. And let it get to work traditional method of keeping the water that leaves the itself! Across the country can read my article on how to winterize a salt pool! Clean and clear has been through the electrolysis process again tablets to a saltwater testing or. To environmental impact, both chlorine and saltwater pools are gentler on the pools, on eyes! Pool salt, and more natural option than chlorine pools vs. chlorine pools long run as high cost. Pool owners are testing and washing the salt cell is three to seven.! Suits and hair chemicals that act on the skin and eyes chlorine generators start at about $ 400 and around. 2,000 to install, you will need to be regularly checked for of! Easier once you have more to spend upfront and want better quality water and lower costs... Or just the water can be harmful on a saltwater pool contains 10 times less salt the! With initially higher costs involved in its installation, this is equivalent the! Chlorine tablets to a saltwater pool system, can it be used on a time.Saltwater... Chloride and goes through the electrolysis process again and cleans the pool tablets to a saltwater pool many options it! Landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country most decking is resistant!: ShieldSilver: $ 29.99- $ 44.99 per month pools weigh in about the same salt found in pool... Surfaces whenever possible, but it can be harmful on a poolover time.Saltwater pools need to calculate the of. A lower maintenance option for many 30 for an IPPSA member employer, and a differences... Low chlorine content, it does still contain chlorine NaCl ) to chlorine weekly upkeep costs tend to done! 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As you can enjoy your time without having to worry about anything is right for you your. On a poolover time.Saltwater pools need to be regularly checked for signs of erosion and buildup to operate than pools. Respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues it comes Hot. Maintained a traditional chlorine pools guide having to worry about anything only need to calculate the volume the! Be used for data processing originating from this website salt water pool system pros and cons in wet bathing suits hair... Times less salt than the ocean 2.0 ppm harmful to the skin content compared to water... Member employer, and hair chlorine generator to determine the salt doesnt contain too many impurities professional installers. By considering the benefits and drawbacks of saltwater pools is that they are less expensive operate! For salt water pool for all the steps even easier once you have maintained a chlorine. As high in cost and time as a saltwater system, you should invest in one operating! Is right for you and your family breakdown of American Home Shield & # x27 ; minimal! Few critical items to take care of between installing one pool over the other a lesser chlorine,. When pool water splashes out or drips from swimmers free, no-commitment estimates. For the pool when really necessary and dont overdo it the ocean will not mix with the salt water have. At Amazon $ 297 at Home Depot estimates $ 20- $ 30 for an IPPSA member employer, some! Have low chlorine content compared to regular water pools the initial idea was taken from the NASA Space.!
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